The Tale of the Maiden Voyage

Since I know you're all waiting to hear about the Pink Pearl's maiden voyage I took lots of pics and thought I'd blog about it today.  Besides it's always better with pics, right?

As the crew makes ready for our voyage. Have you ever seen someone go camping in a fancy dress and tights?  Some of my crew are a little, well let's say eccentric....

 Here a sampling of  the crew poses for a picture.

 I have to give credit to my mini photographer.  I must admit that though I would have loved to I did not take all of the pics you see here.  My mini photographers have a way of making off with me camera and taking some good pics.

a self portrait

 packed and ready to shove off

 Sobe worrying that we would leave her behind pulled some of the clothes out of her girls bag and was trying to nest in it.  This is as far as she got.  She patiently waited here by the door while we readied the Pearl and when we moved the bag to the car and put her in she resumed her spot on top of her girls bag in the back of the truck.

Here she is looking over the back seat
wondering where her girl is.

 Hooking her up

 and away we go, setting sail for our adventure.

 Here is the view as we approach Crystal Cove.  As  you can imagine the excitement builds at this point in a journey.

 In the campground we spied an airstream and later
 another canned ham. 

Here's where the trip gets interesting...   When we arrive we find that we mistakenly booked the wrong campsite.  We booked a site in the tents campground, which was confusing because the online booking agent let us book it, and even asked the length of the trailer.  Something about in the fine print somewhere it says no hard sided trailers allowed in the tent spaces and well to make a long story short we waited around for the better part of two hours first deciding what to do, then waiting for the lottery for the one space available.

I told you we were bad at this camping thing.  I think our camping trips could make a good Family Vacation movie.  You should hear some of our stories.  I think you'd agree...

We did manage to have a good time in our two hours at the camprgound.  We snacked a bit on our snacks, played some games and napped in the Pearl (still parked next to the check in kiosk).  Since we have no curtains yet it must have been a sight to see.  Took the dog and a few kids for a walk;  A few walks actually; Chatted with the rangers;  And enjoyed the view.  We didn't get to use the Pearls accomodations much, but it was pleasant resting with the family while we waited.

Here we are, a few hours later returning to port.  Never being accustomed to being kept down by 'the man' and his ridiculous rules nor being the sort who miss chance for an adventure, we quickly made ready and were off to more welcoming ports.

camping geenies lamp studio style

We enjoyed the beautiful night sky, some snacks and our very large screen movie.

Abduction

aye, it sounds a sad tale of a maiden voyage.  It was definitely an adventure and a day worth remembering.  We held true to our record of camping trips gone awry.  In the end we saw True Steel and Abduction at the Mission Tiki Drive In.  We even saw a shooting star.

Photo credit: toplessrobot.com article on
 The 10 nerdiestroadtrip destinations in America.

Life is what you make of it right?  Well ours is definitely and adventure!